Recently, Crestwood Primary students and their families had the opportunity to experience the children’s book “ The Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig in a very unique way through a special evening event.
By skyping with the book’s author, Trudy Ludwig, students had the opportunity to ask questions about the story they’ve been engrossed in all week. Ms. Ludwig explained how “authors tell stories with words, while an artist tells stories with pictures.” Through her story, students learned how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Through her talk with students, she highlighted the concept of what she called, “ the power of one,” sharing, “all it takes is one person to make a positive change.”
The weeklong event culminated in an evening event held at CPS, where families were treated to a variety of activities and activities based on the story. For example, in the art room, families painted colorful letters to make up key words like gratitude, kindness, and respect.
Children and their parents painted letters that make up power words like gratitude, kindness, and friendship. These power words are featured in CPS morning announcement messages on Thoughtful Thursdays throughout the year. And thanks to CPS families’ artistic efforts at this event, the key words will also be hung in the hallways as daily reminders to students and staff.
In the library, families watched a video of the story being read to familiarize parents and grandparent guests with the words and pictures of the story. In a nearby classroom, families created friendship bracelets — some to keep, and some to give to new friends. In another classroom, families used white crayons to write an invisible message; colorful markers were used to decode the messages. “We tried to choose activities that would be good for all ages, “ explained one of the event’s organizers, CPS teacher Monica Grebb.
In the music room, families had the opportunity to select songs that relate to friendship, like “Lean on Me,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” and “I’ll Be There For You.” Under the direction of music teacher Mrs. Gilles, they used scarves, danced with a partner, or joined a giant conga line to show how families, fun and friendships go hand-in-hand.
In the cafeteria, families tried their hands using chopsticks like Justin, one of the characters in Ms. Ludwig’s book, to enjoy snack mix. In the gymnasium, kids of all ages enjoyed all-inclusive parachute games led by PE teacher Mrs. Doneyko.
In addition to a fun evening of friendship and creativity, the event also highlighted another key word — generosity. As an admission fee, families were asked to bring a gently used children’s’ book from their home collection. The donated books will be added to the Mantua Rotary Club’s Little Red Bookshelf that will be installed in the entry of Crestwood Primary this spring. The bookshelf will be a free resource for families to take a book to enjoy and leave books they no longer need for others to enjoy.
“We wouldn’t be able to do all this without support — everyone from the principal through the janitors — everyone pitches in to help make it happen,” gushed Mrs. Grebb. Teachers read the book with their classes and did special language arts activities and artwork to build on lessons. Students learned how color and picture clues were used to reinforce key concepts from the story. Throughout the week, students answered trivia questions for the chance to win prizes.
Every CPS student and staff member received a copy of “The Invisible Boy” to take home.
“It’s so wonderful to see that every parent is engaged,” marveled Mrs. Ducca. “this is the first time we’ve had this level of engagement,” she added. “It’s a nice opportunity for parents and kids to interact,” agreed Mrs. Grebb. CPS’s annual One Book, One School program is funded through the support of the PTO and the Principal’s Fund.
